Infant and Childhood Immunizations: Educating Parents Is Essential
With so much speculation and misinformation these days about the safety of immunizations, it is more important than ever to educate parents about the importance of having children vaccinated. The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) offers a good education tool, Immunizations & Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parent's Guide, described as “ . . . a common-sense parent guide (that) clears up the confusion and answers key questions on the functionality, necessity, efficacy, and safety of vaccines.” Available through the AAP web site at www.aap.org, this evidence-based guide also explains infections and how to prevent them.
Vaccination Safety Update
From what we know today based on many scientific studies, there is no association between vaccines and injury to any child. It’s important to emphasize to parents that the risk of a child contracting a serious disease if they have not been vaccinated is far greater than the risk of any injury due to the vaccine. Several articles appear on the subject in the March 2008 issue of Pediatrics, including “Fighting for the Reputation of Vaccines: Lessons Learned from American Politics” and “Toward Better Vaccine Safety Data.” On the AAP web site, you can download “Facts for Parents about Autism and Vaccine Safety.” This fact sheet allays safety concerns related to autism and other conditions that have been in the news lately, such as mitochondrial disease.
Remember National Infant Immunization Week: April 19 – 26
. . . and tell parents about the free Children’s Health Connection Reminder Program available through Community Hospital. With this program, parents receive reminder postcards whenever their children are due for immunizations from age 2 months through 18 years. Encourage parents to register by contacting Women and Children’s Health Services at (610) 497-7344 or WCHS@crozer.org.
Asthma Education Makes a Difference
Springtime can be especially difficult for children who have asthma. An article in the March 2008 issue of Pediatrics discusses the positive effects that asthma education has on children who suffer from the disease. If you have patients between the ages of 7-12 who have asthma, you may want to refer them to the Asthma Day Camp at the HealthplexÒ Sports Club in Springfield. The program, to be held from June 16-20 this year, combines fitness, conditioning and sports with daily asthma education. For more information, call 610-328-8873. For asthma and allergy consults, contact Gerald B. Kolski, M.D., board-certified specialist in allergy and immunology at 610-619-7410.
Adolescent Medicine Consultations Available
Adolescent patients often present with unique problems, including physical problems with unexplained etiologies, sexual health issues and chronic tiredness. If you would find it helpful to consult with board certified adolescent medicine specialists, Robert T. Brown, M.D., and Rima H. Himelstein, M.D., of Crozer-Keystone Health System are accepting consultation requests. They will provide a thorough evaluation of your patient, who will remain under your care. For more information or to refer a patient, call 610-619-7410.
Crozer-Keystone Smoke-Free as of July 4
Please alert parents and adolescent patients that all Crozer-Keystone facilities will become smoke-free as of July 4, 2008.
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